PHP Vs. Java: Making the Right Decision for Your Web Development Project

With over 700 programming languages available, which comes to mind first when working on a web development project? Is it JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP, or C+, as they are among the most popular programming languages? Depending on the vision and goal of your project, you are often put in the position of choosing between two seemingly similar tools. For example, if you are looking for an object-oriented programming language, you might wonder whether to use Java or C++, or you might need to compare Node.JS and PHP for backend programming for web and app development, and the list goes on.

Today’s article is going to dive deep into the similarities and differences between PHP and Java. With approximately 457,500 websites using PHP, this programming language has its largest market share in the U.S. Java, on the other hand, is the second most prevalent programming language, with a market share of 15.73 %.

Both PHP and Java are popular tools for web application development, but there are still important distinctions. But first, we need to understand what PHP and Java is.

PHP and Java: Similarities

To fully talk about the nuances of PHP versus Java, it is essential to discuss the two programs’ similarities.

Object-oriented Programming

Both PHP and Java follow the object-oriented programming concept that involves inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. Languages that follow the object-orient programming paradigm often have a small learning curve.

Strong Community

There are plenty of PHP documentation and Java documentation thanks to the large community that’s working hard to contribute and modify the programming languages.

Open-Source Programming Languages

Being open-source languages means that both Java and PHP are available for the developer community to use and contribute to without any payment or restrictions.

Syntax

Syntax in computer programming implies the rules that govern a programming language’s word, symbol, and punctuation structures. PHP and Java have the same syntax, meaning they share class definitions, member functions, data member definitions, looping structures, etc.

Speed

Generally speaking, there isn’t much discrepancy in PHP and Java speed. PHP codes are a little shorter, which means they are faster, but not by a large margin. Java’s newest versions have also increased its speed while decreasing memory consumption.

PHP and Java: In-depth Comparison

There are six key differences that both a PHP developer and a Java developer need to keep in mind.

Performance

When comparing performance between PHP and Java or between other programming languages, it can be hard to produce a definite answer. The reason behind this is there hasn’t been a test regarding the same web application on the same server or in the same environment. However, most developers agree that PHP is a great tool for websites with less complexity, while Java is a great choice for complex, multi-component websites for large enterprises.

Compiled Vs. Interpreted Language

Java compiles code, while PHP interprets code. Again, it is hard to say for sure which programming language is better without having the specific coding tasks at hand.

Compiled languages optimize code by establishing global context, while interpreted languages allow for almost real-time execution. Interpreted code is easier to debug and more user-friendly to work with.

Development Cost

Another important factor that cannot be overlooked when choosing between web development languages is the development cost. Indeed’s report indicates that the median salary of a PHP developer is $85,208 per year, while it is $93,244 for a Java developer, which means the cost of hiring a PHP team is cheaper.

However, there are always plenty of ways to reduce the overall cost of development, such as hiring freelancers or outsourcing development teams.

Stability

As we mentioned earlier, Java is more suitable for larger, more complex web development projects. An important reason for this is that Java is more stable than PHP. Its codes are longer, leading to a more reliable code base.

Security

One of the top considerations when choosing web development languages is security. Java certainly outperforms PHP in this criteria as the language has built-in security functions. For PHP, developers need to rely on its frameworks to fill in any of PHP’s security gaps. The language does have debugging tools available, but not as many when compared to other languages like Java.

Learning Curve

Most people tend to agree that PHP is easier to learn, especially for new programmers. Its syntax is friendlier and similar to English.

Java has a steeper learning curve, but it won’t be much of a problem if developers have prior experience in C+ or C++.

A Quick Glance at PHP and Java Careers

There are many career opportunities both as a PHP developer and a Java developer. For those looking into a career as a PHP developer, you will find offers regarding positions like command-line scripting, server-side scripting, database concepts, desktop application development, web development careers, and compiler-based applications.

For aspiring Java developers, you can find job offers regarding e-commerce platforms, fintech solutions, healthcare systems, AI and machine learning, mobile app development, IoT (Internet of Things), and gaming.

Final Note

Is PHP or Java a better programming language? The answer is it depends.

It depends on the key factors of your project, such as size, collaboration, budget, speed, estimated user base, and numerous other factors. The best programming language is one that meets your needs and elevates the project. In conclusion, if you are looking to build a fast and small web application, choose PHP. If your project is more complex with more components, Java might be a better choice.

Are you still unsure about which language to choose? Let Orient Software help. Our technical team of experienced professionals can provide guidance and expertise to help you make the right decision for your project. With our help, you can focus on your vision while we handle the heavy lifting of bringing it to life.